Between packing school and work lunches, wrapping up leftovers, food prep, or throwing together snacks for a road trip—food storage containers are one of those kitchen essentials that you always seem to be reaching for.
But have you ever taken a closer look at what your containers are actually made from? Especially if you’re warming up or storing hot food, you might want to take a closer look.
Traditional plastic food storage can contain chemicals used in certain plastics and resins. If you're trying to reduce your exposure to unnecessary chemicals or cut back on disposable plastic packaging, switching to BPA free food storage containers is a great place to start.
It doesn’t have to be inaccessible, boring, or expensive to make the switch. There are tons of options beyond the plastic containers you might already have sitting in your cabinets! You might have to be a little willing to change up your routine, but we promise, it’s worth it!
From stainless steel lunchboxes to reusable silicone bags, let's explore what makes a good BPA free and/or non-toxic food container.
What Does BPA Free Mean?
BPA, short for bisphenol A, is a chemical used in the production of certain plastics and protective coatings. It's been found in products like hard plastic containers and the linings of some food and beverage cans.
At Earth Hero, products that are labeled as BPA-free do not contain Bisphenol A, and we’re here to share some amazing BPA free food storage container options no matter what your lifestyle looks like on a day to day basis.
Why Choose BPA Free Food Storage Containers?
In recent years, BPA products have become something more and more people are looking to avoid. Research shows that high levels of BPA can negatively impact various bodily functions from behavior and brain function to reproductive problems, breast cancer, and heart disease. This has led many consumers to look for alternatives, particularly for products that regularly come into contact with the food they eat and serve their family.
Choosing food storage containers made from materials like stainless steel or food-grade silicone can help you avoid BPA-containing plastics while still keeping your meals fresh and organized.
There’s also another benefit to choosing more sustainable, BPA free containers: less disposable plastic waste! Instead of reaching for a new plastic sandwich bag or single-use takeout container every day, you can pack food in something designed to be washed and used again.
Does BPA Free mean Plastic Free?
Something to keep in mind is that just because something is BPA free does not mean it is inherently plastic free. A plastic container can be labeled BPA free while still being made from other plastic materials. Some BPA alternatives, including other bisphenols, have also raised questions about their potential effects.
That's why it's worth looking beyond the BPA-free label and considering the material itself.
Stainless steel, glass, and food-grade silicone are the best reusable and sustainable alternatives for disposable food storage.
Each material has its own benefits depending on what you're packing and where you're taking it, so let’s get into what to look for when shopping.
What to Look for: BPA Free Food Storage Containers
Before buying a whole new collection of containers, think about what you actually need and use them for on a regular basis.
Are you packing lunches for kids? Bringing leftovers to the office? Storing ingredients in the refrigerator? Or trying to keep snacks organized while traveling?
The best BPA free food storage containers are the ones that fit your routine, and are portable and simple enough to use in a variety of ways, every day.
Choose Safe, Durable Materials
Stainless steel is durable, lightweight, and a great option for lunches, snacks, and travel. It won't shatter if dropped, and many stainless steel containers can last for years with proper care.
Glass works particularly well for leftovers and refrigerator storage. It doesn't absorb food odors, and many glass containers can also be used to heat up leftovers (just follow their individual care instructions carefully!)
Food-grade silicone is flexible, reusable, and convenient for snacks and sandwiches, where you want to be able to just throw them in your bag and go on your next adventure!
Each option offers an alternative to disposable plastic bags and containers, so you can choose what food storage system works best for you based on how you plan to use it.
Prioritize Leakproof Lids and Convenient Sizes for Traveling
If you're packing soups, sauces, yogurt, or other liquids, look for food containers specifically designed with leakproof seals. This is also a handy feature to have when packing lunch for small kiddos, who might be a bit more rough with their lunchbox on the way to school!
For sandwiches, crackers, fruit, and other relatively dry foods, a simple stainless steel lunchbox or divided container may be all you need.
And yes, size matters! Smaller containers work well for dips and snacks, while larger options are better suited for leftovers, meal prep, and large families.
The Best BPA Free Food Storage Containers for Everyday Use
Ready to rethink your food storage collection? Let’s go over your BPA free options, all available at EarthHero.
Stainless Steel Food Storage Containers
If you're tired of wasting disposable sandwich bags and plastic lunch containers, a stainless steel lunchbox is an easy alternative that is great for the planet, too.
The ECOlunchbox 3-in-1 Giant Stainless Steel Lunchbox is designed for packing multiple foods in one convenient container. It features three separate stainless steel compartments that nest and clip together, making it easy to keep different foods organized.
It's especially useful for larger lunches, picnics with the family, or packing several snacks for a busy day.
The compartments work well for foods like sandwiches, cut fruit, vegetables, and thicker dips, but be wary of anything super runny, as they're not designed for liquids like soup.
For a more compact option, the ECOlunchbox Splash Box and Pods are perfect! Combine these two items, and you’ll have tons of options for smaller snacks and versatile lunch packing abilities.
The Splash Pods are designed to easily nest inside the Splash Box, and with their leak-free, silicone lids, your possibilities for snacks are endless! Dips, condiments, dressings, and more can all be stored without worry.
Reusable Silicone Bags for Snacks and Sandwiches
Reusable silicone bags are a convenient, eco-friendly alternative to disposable plastic sandwich bags, especially when you're packing smaller foods or trying to save space in your kid’s lunch bag.
Stasher Silicone Sandwich Bags are not just your average reusable, plastic-free alternative. Stasher is the world’s first–and only–self-sealing, airtight, non-plastic bag to go against wasteful single-use plastic bags. Best of all, it can do so much more than plastic can–use these silicone bags in the freezer, microwave, oven, dishwasher, or even a sous vide machine!
Their flexible design makes them easy to fit into lunch bags, backpacks, and travel totes.
Stasher also offers smaller Snack Bags and larger Stand-Up Bags, giving you different options depending on what you're storing. Oh, did we mention they come in cute colors too? The Stand-Up Bags are particularly useful for food prep and refrigerator organization because they can sit upright while you're filling them.
And because they're washable and reusable, you don't have to throw away a plastic bag every time you pack a snack. Good for you—good for mother earth.
Stackable Food Containers for Meal Prep and Travel
If you're someone who likes to prep meals ahead of time to save time and money, having lots of available food storage containers that stack neatly can make a big difference.
The ECOlunchbox Stainless Steel Tiffin features three separate tiers that clip together, allowing you to pack different foods without mixing everything into one container.
It's a convenient option for lunches, picnics, and travel when you want to bring a complete meal without carrying several separate containers.
The stainless steel construction is durable and plastic-free, and the stacked design helps keep everything organized.
For smaller portions, ECOlunchbox Stainless Steel Seal Cups come in several sizes and feature silicone lids that create a leakproof seal.
They're great for packing dips, dressings, cut fruit, or smaller leftovers without taking up too much room.
How to Care for Your BPA Free Food Storage Containers
One of the biggest benefits of reusable food containers is that you can keep using them for years rather than replacing disposable packaging after every meal.
To make them last, a little care goes a long way.
Always check the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines before washing, heating, or freezing your containers, especially glass.
Many stainless steel and silicone products are dishwasher safe, but you should be cautious when reheating any kind of material and ensure it’s safe to do so first.
Avoid using abrasive cleaning tools that could damage seals or scratch surfaces unnecessarily, especially on stainless steel. It's also a good idea to check lids and silicone gaskets periodically for signs of wear.
To prevent your containers from developing lingering food odors or stains (especially silicone), you should be washing them promptly after use with warm water and dish soap. This can help keep them fresher, longer. Even a simple rinse will go a long way if you can’t do a full wash right when you’re finished eating.
For the best eco-friendly dish soaps, check out our guide here.
More Ways to Create a Low-Waste Kitchen
Switching to BPA-free storage containers is one way to rethink the products you use around food, but it doesn't have to stop there.
Reusable produce bags, washable dishcloths, and refillable cleaning products can all help reduce your reliance on disposable kitchen supplies.
You can also take a closer look at cookware, cutting boards, and other food-contact materials if you're trying to make more intentional choices throughout your kitchen.
Our non-toxic kitchen guide shares simple but impactful ideas for areas in your kitchen, so you can start to replace everyday products with reusable, non-toxic alternatives created with thoughtfully selected materials that are safe for you and your loved ones.
And remember, you don't have to throw away every plastic container you already own just to start making changes. Use what you have where appropriate, and consider switching to BPA free alternatives as your current products wear out.
Start with the containers you use most often, and build your collection from there.
